Texas Governor bans Covid vaccine mandates

(KYMA, KECY/ CNN) - Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order Monday banning any entity in the state from enforcing vaccine mandates.

The move even includes private employers and it is the latest move by the Republican leader to control public health measures during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The order says vaccination can't be forced for against anyone who objects "for any reason of personal conscience based on a religious belief, or for medical reasons, including prior recovery from Covid-19."

Abbott said in a statement the Covid-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and our best defense against the virus, but should be voluntary.

He has already banned government vaccine mandates, vaccine passport requirements and school districts from requiring masks.

In the order, Abbott called President Joe Biden for what he called federal over-reach.